Dish Network’s users cut off from HBO

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The business dispute that yanked HBO off the air for millions of Americans on Nov. 1 is entering its second week — with no signs of a respite.

As many as 2.5 million customers of HBO have lost access to hit shows such as Game of Thrones and Westworld through Dish Network, America’s second-largest satellite TV provider.

The blackout affects another 10.2 million Dish subscribers who aren’t signed up for HBO but who are potential customers of the premium entertainment channel.

It’s the first time HBO has ever “gone dark,” in the parlance of TV execs. Viewers are being caught in the middle, with potential consequences on both sides: An extended cutoff could lead to customer losses.

The standoff between Dish and HBO stems from a contract negotiation over whether Dish should pay HBO for a guaranteed number of customers, whether those subscribers materialize or not.